Definitions for usuryˈyu ʒə ri

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word usury

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:(0.00 / 0 votes)

usury, vigorish(noun)

an exorbitant or unlawful rate of interest

usury(noun)

the act of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest

WiktionaryRate this definition:(0.00 / 0 votes)

usury(Noun)

An exorbitant rate of interest, in excess of any legal rates or at least immorally.

usury(Noun)

The practice of lending money at such rates.

usury(Noun)

The practice of lending money at interest.

Origin: From usuria, from usura "lending at interest, usury" from usus 'use', from stem of uti 'to use'

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:(0.00 / 0 votes)

Usury(verb)

a premium or increase paid, or stipulated to be paid, for a loan, as of money; interest

Usury(verb)

the practice of taking interest

Usury(verb)

interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money

FreebaseRate this definition:(0.00 / 0 votes)

Usury

Usury is the practice of making unethical or immoral monetary loans. Depending on the local laws or social mores, a loan may be considered usurious because of excessive or abusive interest rates. According to some jurisdictions and customs, simply charging any interest at all can be considered usury. Other terms used for usury or usurers include loan shark, as well as Shylock which is sometimes used with an antisemitic connotation.
The term may be used in a moral sense — condemning taking advantage of others' misfortunes — or in a legal sense where interest rates may be regulated by law. Historically, some cultures have regarded charging any interest for loans as sinful.
Some of the earliest known condemnations of usury come from the Vedic texts of India. Similar condemnations are found in religious texts from Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. At times, many nations from ancient China to ancient Greece to ancient Rome have outlawed loans with any interest. Though the Roman Empire eventually allowed loans with carefully restricted interest rates, the Christian church in medieval Europe banned the charging of interest at any rate.